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The differences between trial attorneys and assistant state attorneys can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a trial attorney and an assistant state attorney. Additionally, a trial attorney has an average salary of $110,340, which is higher than the $82,255 average annual salary of an assistant state attorney.
The top three skills for a trial attorney include litigation, legal research and property damage. The most important skills for an assistant state attorney are litigation, criminal cases, and appeals.
| Trial Attorney | Assistant State Attorney | |
| Yearly salary | $110,340 | $82,255 |
| Hourly rate | $53.05 | $39.55 |
| Growth rate | 10% | 10% |
| Number of jobs | 7,253 | 9,855 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 57% | Doctoral Degree, 51% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Trial attorneys are responsible for representing and defending clients in court. Trial attorneys must have excellent legal research skills to assess pieces of evidence and examining relevant judicial decisions to support the client's claims. A trial attorney should also provide legal advice for the clients and guide them through the legal procedures depending on the severity of the case. Trial attorneys must be able to develop trial strategies and arguments in the court to win the judge and the trial jury's decision.
An Assistant Staff Attorney performs a wide range of clerical and administrative work that requires knowledge of legal terms, documents, and procedures. They also communicate with clients to keep them informed on case progress.
Trial attorneys and assistant state attorneys have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Trial Attorney | Assistant State Attorney | |
| Average salary | $110,340 | $82,255 |
| Salary range | Between $73,000 And $166,000 | Between $55,000 And $122,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | Oakland, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | California |
| Best paying company | Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith | State Attorney's Office |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Government |
There are a few differences between a trial attorney and an assistant state attorney in terms of educational background:
| Trial Attorney | Assistant State Attorney | |
| Most common degree | Doctoral Degree, 57% | Doctoral Degree, 51% |
| Most common major | Law | Law |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between trial attorneys' and assistant state attorneys' demographics:
| Trial Attorney | Assistant State Attorney | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.2% Female, 33.8% | Male, 54.1% Female, 45.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 6.4% White, 75.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 5.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 75.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |